Controller with fan monitoring and control

ABSTRACT

An industrial automation controller includes a housing with a forced convection chamber. First and second fans are releasably connected to the housing and are adapted to induce airflow through the forced convection chamber. The first and second fans are each connected to the housing by respective first and second latch systems that each include a primary latch and a secondary latch. The secondary latch imposes a time delay during removal and replacement of a fan to facilitate hot swapping of the fan with a replacement fan. A make-last/break-first contact system is provided for each fan such that the fan is shutdown in a controlled manner prior to removal of the fan from the housing. The controller monitors internal temperature and fan speed. The controller initiates, logs, and reports fault conditions based upon the monitored temperature and/or fan speed. The controller is shut down if the monitored temperature exceeds a select temperature level.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 16/541,875 filed on Aug. 15, 2019, now assigned U.S. Pat. No.10,912,234, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/720,641 filed on Sep. 29, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,390,456, whichclaims priority from and benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisionalapplication Ser. No. 62/418,595 filed on Nov. 7, 2016, and the entiredisclosure of each of said prior applications is hereby expresslyincorporated by reference into the present specification.

BACKGROUND

Certain industrial automation controllers and other electronics modulesutilize a high-speed microprocessor (processor) and other electroniccomponents that generate heat beyond that which can be dissipatedsufficiently using natural convection airflow. In such cases, thecontroller must utilize a fan to flow forced air through the controllerhousing in which the processor is located to cool the processor.

Use of a fan to cool an industrial automation controller has drawbacksincluding fan reliability in that fan failure can lead to overheatingand failure, throttling (slowing), or shut-down of the controller. Assuch, in a fan-cooled industrial automation controller or otherelectronic system, fan monitoring and control is essential to provide awarning of impending fan failure and to optimize fan operation in caseone or more fans fail or begins to degrade in performance.

Known systems have not provided a suitable arrangement for removing areplacing a fan in a “hot-swapping” (Removal and Insertion Under Power(RIUP)) process in which the fan is removed and replaced withoutinterrupting the operation of the industrial automation controller.Hot-swapping of a fan or other device presents challenges that must beaddressed to prevent damage to the system in which devices are beingremoved and replaced to ensure continued operation of the system andlong term reliability. In some cases, the system does not havesufficient time to prepare for removal of the device being removed andreplaced which can lead to inability of the system to adjust for theremoval of the device. This can lead to unexpected system responseswhich are highly undesirable.

An important goal is to maximize the product life of an industrialautomation or other electronics controller module. As such, it isdesirable to keep the temperature of the processor and/or otherelectronics parts of the controller as close as possible to an optimaltemperature at which the processor is not thermally stressed. While thiscould be achieved by running a fan at full speed all the time, thiswould result in shorter fan life, increased power consumption andincreased noise, so this is not an optimal solution.

As such, a need has been identified for an industrial automationcontroller system and method with fan monitoring and control to providea warning of impending fan failure and to optimize fan operation in caseone or more fans fail or begins to degrade in performance. A need hasalso been identified for such a system in which a fan can be removed andreplaced in a hot-swapping operation that is tightly controlled toprevent undesired system responses. A need has also been found for a newand improved fan control solution achieves the required cooling whilemaximizing fan life, reducing power consumption and noise, and thatfacilitates repair and replacement of a fan when required without ashutdown of the controller module.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first aspect of the present development, anindustrial automation controller includes a housing that includes aforced convection chamber. A processor is located in the housing. A fanmodule is releasably connected to the housing and operatively associatedwith the forced convection chamber such that the fan module is adaptedto induce airflow through the forced convection chamber. A latch systemreleasably connects the fan module to the housing. The latch systemincludes: (i) a primary latch that engages the fan module to the housingin an operative installed position of the fan module; and, (ii) asecondary latch that engages the fan module to the housing in anintermediate position of the fan module. The fan module is selectivelymovable from the operative installed position where the fan module isoperatively located relative to the housing to the intermediate positiononly by disengagement of the primary latch. The fan module is movablefrom the intermediate position to an opened position where the fanmodule is manually separable from the housing only by disengagement ofthe secondary latch.

In accordance with another aspect of the present development, theindustrial automation controller further includes a fan interfaceprinted circuit board assembly connected to the housing and including aplurality of primary electrical contacts. The fan interface printedcircuit board assembly is operably connected to the processor. Aplurality of fan module contacts are connected to the fan module. Theprimary contacts respectively electrically mate with and engage the fanmodule contacts when the fan module is located in its operativeinstalled position for electrically connecting the fan module to the faninterface printed circuit board. At least one of the primary contactsand its respective mating fan module contact is configured as amake-last/break-first contact pair such that upon movement of the fanmodule from its operative installed position to its intermediateposition relative to the housing, the make-last/break-first contact pairis electrically disconnected while other fan module contacts remainelectrically connected to their respective mating primary contacts suchthat disconnection of the make-last/break-first contact pair providesinput to the processor that the fan module has been moved from itsoperative installed position to its intermediate position.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present development, anindustrial automation controller includes a housing that includes aforced convection chamber. A processor is located in the housing. Firstand second fans are releasably connected to the housing and areoperatively associated with the forced convection chamber such that thefirst and second fans are adapted to induce airflow through the forcedconvection chamber. The first and second fans are connected to thehousing by respective first and second latch systems. Each of the firstand second latch systems include: (i) a primary latch that engages thefan to the housing in an operative installed position of the fan; and,(ii) a secondary latch that engages the fan to the housing in anintermediate position of the fan. Each of the first and second fans isselectively movable from the operative installed position where the fanis operatively located relative to the housing to an intermediateposition only by disengagement of its respective primary latch. Each ofthe first and second fans is movable from the intermediate position toan opened position where the fan is manually separable from the housingonly by disengagement of its respective secondary latch.

According to another aspect of the present development, a method ofoperating an industrial automation controller includes monitoring a fanspeed of at least first and second fans that induce a forced airflowthrough a chamber in a housing, and monitoring a temperature in thechamber of the housing. The method includes at least one of (i)initiating a minor fan speed fault if the speed of at least one of thefirst and second fans is below a select value; (ii) initiating a majortemperature fault and shutting down the controller if the temperature inthe chamber exceeds a select maximum value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an electronics module such as an industrial automation orother controller module according to an embodiment of the presentdevelopment;

FIG. 2 is a section view of the controller module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the controller C with a face plate portion of the housingremoved, and shows the fan modules located in their fully installed(engaged or closed), operative positions;

FIG. 3A is a greatly enlarged view of detail portion A of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 but shows the upper fan module located inits opened or disengaged position for physical removal of the fan modulefrom the controller housing or installation of the fan module to thecontroller housing;

FIG. 4A is a greatly enlarged view of detail portion A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 also corresponds to FIG. 3, but shows the upper fan module in itsintermediate position relative to the housing as provided by a secondarylatch according to the present development;

FIG. 5A is a greatly enlarged detail view of portion A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view that shows a fan module according to thepresent development by itself;

FIG. 6A is a partial, enlarged view of the fan module of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 provides a partial isometric view of a fan printed circuit boardportion of the controller module including a fan control connectoraccording to one embodiment of the present development;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a contact printed circuit board portionof the fan module of FIG. 6 that selectively mates with the connector ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart that illustrates a fan module removal processaccording to one embodiment of the present development;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart that illustrates a fan control method withtemperature monitoring according to an embodiment of the presentdevelopment;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart that illustrates a fan control method with fanspeed monitoring according to an embodiment of the present development.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an electronics module C according to an embodiment ofthe present development connected to a DIN rail D. As shown herein, theelectronics module C comprises an industrial automation controller(“controller”) that includes at least one fan that induces airflowthrough a forced convection chamber FC defined in the housing H. In theillustrated embodiment, the controller C comprises a first or upper(exhaust) fan module or fan F1 and a second or lower (intake) fan moduleor fan F2 that induces airflow FX through the forced convection chamberFC and through slots S defined in the housing H to cool the electronicand other components inside the interior space of the controller housingH. The first and second fans F1,F2 can be identically physicallystructured but operated to move air through the housing H in the samedirection with the first (upper) fan F1 operated to exhaust air and thesecond (lower fan F2) operated to input air, or the fans F1,F2 canalternatively have a different physical structure as compared to eachother.

The controller C includes a main printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)P1 that includes a microprocessor MP and related electronic componentsfor operating the controller C including the fans F1,F2 as describedherein. More particularly, the fans F1, F2 are operated by the processorMP and other electronic circuitry of the printed circuit board assemblyP1 to function as either an exhaust fan (preferably when the fan moduleFM is installed as the first/upper fan F1) or an intake fan (preferablywhen the fan module FM is installed as the second/lower fan F2) toinduce forced air convection FX through the forced-convection chamber FCto cool the microprocessor and other components of the controller moduleC. The controller C housing H includes a face plate or other part withone or more indicators I (FIG. 1) such as LEDs or the like that providean externally visual status to an operator concerning the operationalstate of each fan module FM. According to the present development, thefan module FM for either the first fan F1 or second fan F2 is able to bereplaced in a hot-swappable manner, i.e., without interrupting theoperation of the industrial controller C and the machines and/orprocesses being controlled thereby.

FIG. 3 shows the controller module or controller C with a front faceplate portion of the housing H removed. The fan modules FM for both fansF1,F2 are located in the fully installed, operative position on thehousing H. FIG. 3A is a greatly enlarged detail view of portion A ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 4 corresponds to FIG. 3, but shows the first fan module F1 in adisengaged (or opened) position relative to the housing H, a position inwhich the fan module F1 can be physically separated from the housing H,and the same position for installation of the fan module F1 to thehousing H. FIG. 4A is a greatly enlarged detail view of portion A ofFIG. 4. In both FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen that the controller Ccomprises a fan interface printed circuit board assembly P2 that isconnected to the forced convection housing or housing portion H. The faninterface printed circuit board assembly P2 includes electronic circuitsand other electronic components that operably connect the fan modules FM(F1,F2) to the main printed circuit board assembly P1 of the controllerC such that the fan modules FM are controllable by the processor MP interms of turning the fans F1,F2 “on,” turning the fans “off,” speed ofthe fans, direction of the fans, and for monitoring the state andperformance of the fans F1,F2 by the controller processor MP asdescribed in detail below.

Each fan module FM is releasably connected to the controller housing Hsuch that the fan module FM can be selectively removed or disconnectedfrom the housing H for replacement. In particular, each fan module FM ispivotally or otherwise selectively movable relative to the housingportion H between a fully installed, operative (or closed) position asshown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, and a disengaged (or opened) position shown inFIGS. 4 and 4A. When the fan module FM is located in its closed,operative position (FIG. 3) it is physically captured to the housing Hand cannot be separated from the housing H without purposeful manualeffort by a user as described below. When the fan module FM is pivotedto its disengaged/opened position as shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A the fanmodule FM is disengaged from the housing H and can be physicallyseparated from the housing H for replacement. Conversely, installationof the fan module FM requires engaging the fan module with the housing Hbeginning with the opened position (FIG. 4) and subsequent movement ofthe fan module FM to its closed/engaged position (FIG. 3). The presentdevelopment is described herein with reference to the first/upper fanmodule F1 as shown in FIGS. 3-6A, but the description applies equally tothe second/lower fan module F2.

To facilitate hot-swapping of the fan module F1 as described above, thecontroller C comprises a dual-stage or two-stage latch system ormechanism LS including a primary latch PL and a secondary latch SL (seeFIGS. 3A, 4A). The primary latch PL engages the fan module F1 to thehousing H in the closed position, while the secondary latch SL engagesthe fan module F1 to the housing in an intermediate position locatedbetween the closed position (FIG. 3) and the opened position (FIG. 4).The intermediate position of the fan module F1 is shown in FIG. 5, whichcorresponds to FIG. 4, but shows the fan module F1 in its intermediateposition relative to the housing H as provided by the secondary latchSL. FIG. 5A is a greatly enlarged detail view of portion A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 shows a fan module FM (F1) by itself, and FIG. 6A provides apartial, enlarged view of the fan module of FIG. 6. The fan module F1comprises a molded polymeric or other frame FF. The fan module F1includes one or more hinge arms HA or other mounting structure(s) forbeing selectively mated with the controller housing H to allow pivotingor other movement of the fan module F1 to and between its closed andopened positions by way of the intermediate position. In the illustratedembodiment, the primary latch PL comprises at least one primary latcharm PLA (the illustrated embodiment includes two spaced-apart primarypatch arms PLA) connected to the fan module FM, and the primary latch PLfurther comprises at least one flange, lip, or other primary catch PCdefined by or otherwise provided by or connected to the housing H,wherein each primary latch arm PLA is associated with a respectivecorresponding primary catch PC of the housing H to be selectivelyengaged therewith. The hinge arms HA and the primary latch arm(s) PLAare provided as part of the fan module frame FF, preferably as aone-piece molded polymeric structure or other one-piece construction.

To engage a respective primary catch, each primary latch arm PLAcomprises a tooth or other primary latch projection PLP that projectsoutwardly from and outer end thereof. Each primary latch arm PLA isselectively resiliently deflectable or otherwise movable such that whenthe fan module F1 is moved toward and into the closed position (FIG. 3)from the intermediate position (FIG. 5) or opened position (FIG. 4), theprimary latch projection PLP engages the primary catch PC of the housingH such that the primary latch arm PLA is first deflected relative to theprimary catch PC to allow the primary latch projection PLP to move pastthe primary catch PC, and the primary latch arm PLA then resilientlyreturns toward or entirely to its undeflected or free position so thatthe primary latch projection PLP engages the primary catch PC to providean engaged position for the primary latch PL when the fan module FMmoves into its closed, operative position as shown in FIG. 3A. In theillustrated embodiment, the primary latch projections PLP include a rampPLR (FIG. 4A) or are otherwise tapered as shown such that the primarylatch arms PLA deflect in response to engagement with the housing Hduring movement of the fan module F1 from its opened position to itsclosed position to allow each primary latch PL to automatically engage arespective primary catch PC.

Similarly, the primary latch arms PLA are also selectively resilientdeflectable or otherwise movable to disengage their respective latchprojections PLP from the primary catch PC of the housing H to disengagethe primary latch PL (the disengaged position of the primary latch PL)as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A. In one embodiment, the primary latch armsPL are selectively deflectable to disengage the primary catch PC by atool, linkage, or other direct or indirect engagement, or by manualurging of the fan module FM from its closed position toward its openedposition to overcome the latching force of the primary latch arms PLAsuch that each primary latch arm PLA deflects sufficiently to move itslocking projection PLP out of engagement with the respective primarycatch PC in response to such opening force exerted on the fan module F1.The primary locking projection PLP and/or the primary catch PC isoptionally shaped and dimensioned with a ramp or other tapered releasesurface RS (FIGS. 4A & 6A) to facilitate this deflection of the primarylatch arm PLA out of engagement with the respective primary catch PCupon sufficient opening force being exerted on the fan module FM to movethe fan module from its closed position toward its opened position.

As shown herein, the secondary latch SL comprises at least one secondarylatch arm SLA connected to the frame FF of the fan module FM (F1). Thesecondary latch arm(s) SLA is also preferably molded as a one-piececonstruction with the fan module frame FF. The secondary latch arm SLAis resiliently deflectable and includes a tooth or other secondary latchprojection SLP for selectively engaging a secondary catch SC provided bythe housing H or provided another structure that is affixed to thehousing H such as the fan printed circuit board assembly P2 as shown inthe present embodiment. FIGS. 3A, 4A, and 5A show that the fan printedcircuit board assembly P2 includes a secondary catch SC comprising arecess or opening O or other structure in which the secondary latchprojection SLP is received to provide an engaged position of thesecondary latch SL when the fan module FM is located in its closedposition (FIG. 3A) and in its intermediate position (FIG. 5A). Thesecondary catch opening O is elongated or the secondary catch SC isotherwise conformed and dimensioned to allow movement of the secondarylatch projection SLP therein or relative thereto as the fan module FMpivots between its closed position and the intermediate position.However, the engagement of the secondary latch projection SLP with thesecondary catch SC prevents or blocks movement of the fan module FM fromthe intermediate position (FIG. 5A) toward or to the opened position(FIG. 4A) because the secondary latch projection SLP abuts an edge ofthe opening O of the secondary catch SC or is otherwise blocked by thesecondary catch SC. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary latchprojection SLP abuts the printed circuit board assembly P2 at theperiphery of the opening of the secondary catch SC to block movement ofthe fan module F1 from the intermediate position to the opened position.

In order to move the fan module F1 to the opened position (FIG. 4A) fromthe intermediate position (FIG. 5A) the secondary latch arm SLA isselectively deflectable to disengage its secondary lock projection SLPfrom the secondary catch SC by a tool, or by direct or indirect manualmovement (e.g., by way of a button, projection, linkage, etc.). As shownherein, the fan module F1 includes a secondary latch disengagementfeature or button SB (see FIG. 6A) that is depressed by a tool ormanually to deflect the secondary latch arm SLA as required to disengagethe secondary latch projection SLP from the opening O or other part ofthe secondary catch SC such that the fan module F1 can be manuallypivoted from the intermediate position to the opened position for itsremoval and replacement. The secondary latch projection SLP includes aramp SLR (FIG. 6A) or is otherwise tapered as shown such that thesecondary latch arm SLA deflects in response to engagement with the fanprinted circuit board assembly P2 or other part of the secondary catchSC during movement of the fan module FM from its opened position towardits closed position to deflect the secondary latch arm SLA away from thesecondary catch and allow the secondary latch projection SLP to movepast the secondary catch SC, after which the secondary latch arm SLAresiliently returns toward or fully into its normal or free(undeflected) state so that the secondary latch projection isautomatically engaged with the secondary catch SC.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the required useof both a primary latch PL and a secondary latch SL during removal ofthe fan module F1 (or fan module F2) will result in an imposed timedelay in moving the fan module F1 from its installed/closed position toits opened position because both the primary latch PL and secondarylatch SL must be overcome in sequence to remove and replace a fan moduleF1. This imposed time delay advantageously allows time for the fanmodule F1 to be safely and controllably powered down by the processor MPof the controller C and, optionally, for the processor MP of thecontroller C to compensate for removal of the fan module being replacedby increasing the speed of the remaining fan module F2 to prevent or atleast minimize the reduction in airflow through the forced convectionchamber FC during the time when only one fan module FM is present.

As shown in FIG. 7, the fan printed circuit board assembly P2 includes aplurality of primary contacts T connected thereto as part of a connectorCT or otherwise. The fan module F1 includes corresponding mating fanmodule contacts U such as those provided on a contact printed circuitboard CP (FIG. 6A) installed on the fan module FM (the contact printedcircuit board CP is also shown separately in FIG. 8). The fan modulecontacts U are configured to engage respective primary contacts T of thefan printed circuit board assembly P2 when the fan module FM isoperatively installed in its operative position. One of the fan modulecontacts U and its respective mating primary contact T are configured asa make-last/break-first contact pair, wherein the fan module contact ofthe make-last/break-first contact pair is configured as a signal contactSU that is shorter in length or otherwise configured differently fromthe other fan module contacts U (alternatively, one of the primarycontact T is configured as the signal contact SU of themake-last/break-first contact pair. During movement of the fan module FMfrom its installed, operative position (FIG. 3A) toward and into theintermediate position (FIG. 5A), the signal contact SU will disconnectfrom its primary respective contact T of the fan printed circuit boardassembly P2 while other fan module contacts U remain engaged with theirrespective contacts T of the fan printed circuit board assembly P2 whenthe fan module FM is located in the intermediate position. As such, thebreaking/opening or change of state of the signal contact SU provides anindication to the processor MP that the fan module FM has moved to itsintermediate position, but the processor MP can still monitor andcontrol the fan module through the remaining mated contacts U,T.

Referring now also to FIG. 9, during a fan module removal process, thefan module FM is moved to its intermediate position (FIGS. 5 & 5A) afterthe primary latches PL are disengaged during a hot-swapping procedurefor the fan module FM (Step RP1). Movement of the fan module FM to itsintermediate position causes an open condition or change of state forthe related signal contact SU when the signal contact SU of the fanmodule circuit board CP separates from its corresponding mating primarycontact T of the fan printed circuit board P2 to indicate to theprocessor MP that the fan module FM has moved from its operativeposition to its intermediate position, indicating that a fan moduleremoval/replacement operation is occurring (Step RP2). When the fanmodule FM is in its intermediate state, a required number of thecontacts U of the fan module circuit board CP other than the signalcontact SU remain electrically engaged with their respective primarycontacts T of the fan printed circuit board assembly P2 so that the fanmodule FM will continue to operate to provide forced airflow FX ascontrolled by the processor MP or another processor of the controller C,but the open signal contact SU will indicate to the processor MP thatthe fan module FM should be powered down to an inoperative state, andthat the state of the related visual indicator I (FIG. 1) should bechanged to indicate that the fan module FM has been removed (Step RP3).In one embodiment, the make-last/break-first contact pair including thesignal contact SU is operatively connected to the gate of a power supplyswitch such as a power field-effect transistor (FET) that suppliesoperating voltage to the fan module FM such that when the signal contactSU disengages from its respective mating primary contact T, the FET orother power supply switch disconnects the fan module FM from its voltagesource to power down or turn off the fan module FM without requiring anyaction by the processor MP. Optionally, in a step RP4, the speed of theother remaining operative fan module FM is increased to compensate forthe loss of airflow of the fan module FM being removed. In a step RP5,the secondary latch DL is disengaged and the fan module FM is moved toits opened/disengaged position and removed from the housing H. The delaycaused by the need for the secondary latch SL to first be disengaged inorder to move the fan module FM from its intermediate position (FIG. 5A)to its opened disengaged position (FIG. 4A) will allow sufficient timefor the processor MP to power down the fan module FM being removed andto otherwise adjust for its removal using the fan module contacts U thatare still connected with their respective contacts CT of the fan printedcircuit board assembly P2. When the secondary latch SL is disengaged andthe fan module FM is moved to its opened position, all of the fan modulecontacts U will be separated from their respective primary contacts T ofthe fan printed circuit board assembly P2 such that the fan module FMwill be electrically isolated from the fan printed circuit boardassembly P2 and the main printed circuit board assembly P1 for saferemoval and replacement of the fan module FM when the fan module FM isin an inoperative state. During replacement of the fan module FM, theprocess is reversed, and the processor MP detects when the fan module FMis first located in its intermediate position, and detects when the fanmodule FM is ultimately moved to its fully installed operative positionbased upon whether or not the signal contact SU is electricallyconnected to its respective contact T of the fan printed circuit boardassembly P2. If both (all) fan modules FM are removed, or if one fanmodule FM is failed and the other is then removed, the processor MP willperform a controlled shutdown of the controller C to preventoverheating.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the abovedevelopment provides an arrangement of features in a removable fanmodule such that a time delay is imposed upon the removal of the fanmodule FM from the controller housing H so that the processor MP willhave sufficient time to react by removing power and for performing otherhousekeeping functions before the fan module FM is completely separatedfrom the controller housing H. Each fan module FM comprises a two-stagelatch system LS including a primary latch PL whose function is keep thefan module FM located in its fully assembled/closed/installed positionfor normal operation. An initial step in removing the fan module FM fromthe housing H is releasing the primary latch PL and beginning thenecessary pivoting or other movement of the fan module FM toward itsopened position. The fan module FM also includes a secondary latch SLwhich stops the fan module FM at a pre-defined intermediate location,and the secondary latch SL then requires an additional action by theuser to release the secondary latch SL to allow the fan module FM to bemoved to its fully released/opened/disengaged position where the fanmodule FM can then be removed from the housing H.

As noted above, the fan modules FM of both the first and second fansF1,F2 are controlled by the processor MP or other electronic processorof the controller C to provide forced air convection FX through thehousing H as described above. The controller housing H includes a faceplate or other part with one or more indicators I (FIG. 1) such as LEDsor the like that provide an externally visual status to an operatorconcerning the operational state of each fan module FM. As shown in thepresent example, a first indicator I1 is provided for the first fan F1and a second indicator 12 is provided for the second fan F2, and theindicators are labeled as such.

Using the signal contact SU as described above, the controller processorMP automatically determines the presence of one or more fan modules FMas part of the controller C, and the processor MP also automaticallydetermines the number of fan modules FM included in the controller C andcontrols the or each fan module accordingly as described below.

The processor MP monitors the operational status of each fan module FMand controls the respective indicator I to provide a visual indicationof the fan module status to an operator of the controller C. In thepresent example, a first color (e.g., green) is used to indicate properfan operation, a second color (e.g., red) is used to indicate fanfailure or removal, and a third color (e.g. amber) or intermittentillumination (e.g., flashing green or red) is used to indicate a warningthat fan performance has degraded from the preferred level or range. Thevisual indicators I provide a convenient method for a maintenance personor other user to determine if and why a fault has been indicated. Theprocessor MP implements other minor and major faults that are issued,logged, and reported as described herein. Since the controller C istypically enclosed inside a cabinet and not visible under normalconditions, the controller C preferably implements a fault reporting andlogging system to alert users and maintenance personnel that a fault hasoccurred and to provide information as to the cause of the fault. Thereporting and logging of faults and alarms is carried out using anetwork communication port of the controller C to communicate the faultand alarm to other monitoring or control means that can in turn activelyalert the user as soon as and by whatever means they choose (email,pager, text message, stack light, etc.).

The controller C includes multiple temperature sensors including on theprocessor MP, on the fan printed circuit board P2, and elsewhere in thecontroller C. The processor MP implements a temperature based fancontrol method as shown in FIG. 10. In a temperature monitoring stepTM1, the processor MP monitors its own core temperature and/or thetemperature of other components of the controller C and/or of the airflowing through the controller housing H. In a step TM2, processor MPdetermines if the temperature exceeds a select level or value and, ifso, the processor MP takes corrective or remedial action (steps TM3-TM6)to cool and prevent damage to the controller C.

In one example, the processor MP also monitors its own core temperaturein steps TM1,TM2 and, if the core temperature of the processor MPexceeds a select level, the processor MP will perform a step TM3 toissue a major fault which is reported and logged, and then the processorMP will perform a controlled shutdown.

If the temperature determined by step TM2 is higher than desired butstill below the select level, the processor MP can perform the step TM4to increase the speed of one or more fan modules FM to increase forcedconvection cooling FX. A return of the monitored temperature(s) to thedesired value or range as indicated by the step TM2 will cause theprocessor MP to reduce the speed of the fan module FM for which thespeed was increased.

It should be noted that product mean time between maintenance (MTBM) forthe controller C is a compromise between temperature inside thecontroller C and the bearing life of each fan module FM. In the stepTM2, the select temperature level used is preferably less than theabsolute limit of the processor MP so that the temperature of theprocessor MP will be maintained at less than its absolute maximum limitfor increased life. This allows the controller MP to last longer andallows the fan modules FM to operate at less than maximum (100%) speedso that the bearings of the fan modules have increased life.

In another embodiment, via steps TM1 and TM2, the processor MP directlymonitors the temperature of each fan module FM, itself, and compares thefan temperature with a select temperature limit or range. Fantemperature above the select limit or range will cause the processor MPto implement a step TM5 to control the relevant visual indicator I toprovide a warning of decreased fan performance (e.g., a flashingindicator I) or fan failure (e.g., a red indicator I). The processor MPcan also either slow or stop the fan module FM with excessivetemperature (step TM6) and/or can increase the RPM speed of the otherfan (step TM4) to provide cooling to the overheated fan module FM.

As also shown in FIG. 11, in a step SM1 the processor MP controls eachfan module FM to run at a select set speed (RPM), and the processor MPalso receives feedback and monitors the actual speed of the fan beingcontrolled. In a step SM2, the processor MP determines if the speed ofeach fan module FM is correct, meaning that the actual measured speed ofthe fan module is compared with the fan speed set by the processor MP.In step SM2, the processor MP determines if the fan speed is below aselect minimum level and/or a deviation between the fan set speed andthe actual fan speed indicates that the fan is beginning to fail or hasfailed (e.g., the motor has burned out, the fan is jammed, etc. if thefan speed is zero) in which case the processor MP will take correctiveor remedial action such as steps SM3-SM5.

In one example, the processor MP performs the step SM3 to control therelated fan indicator I accordingly depending upon the severity in themismatch between the set fan speed and the actual fan speed. If thevariation between the set fan speed and the actual fan speed for a fanmodule FM is within a select tolerance range, the indicator I will becontrolled by the processor MP to provide a minor fan speed faultcondition warning of decreased fan performance (e.g., a flashingindicator I) for that fan module FM. If the variation between the setfan speed and the actual fan speed for a fan module FM is outside of theselect tolerance range (greater than allowed by the tolerance range), orif a fan module has completely stopped, the relevant indicator I will becontrolled by the processor MP to indicate a failed fan module (e.g., ared indicator I) and the fan module will be powered down (stopped) andthe processor will initiate a major fan speed fault condition.

As shown at step SM4, in the case where the steps SM1,SM2 determine thatone of the fan modules FM fails or degrades in terms of speedperformance, the processor MP will preferably perform a step SM4 tocontrol the other (good) fan module FM accordingly to compensate for thefailed or degraded fan module FM, e.g., by increasing RPM speed of theproperly operating fan module FM to increase cooling airflow FX. In suchcase, the processor will issue and log a minor fault as shown at SM5 butthe controller C will continue to run, because the controller C isdesigned to operate using only a single fan module FM (air flow providedby two fan modules F1,F2 is double the required air flow). While bearingfailure in a fan module FM can be a cause of a slow fan, a slow fan canalso be caused by debris in the fan or airway that can be corrected withmaintenance cleaning. In such case, the fan module FM will need to becleaned but need not be replaced. Also, the fan modules FM are set torun always at least at a minimum speed to ensure that they don't getstuck from corrosion or debris.

If the step SM2 determines that both (all) fan modules FM have failed orare failing, the processor MP will continue to run provided that thetemperature inside the controller C is below a select maximumtemperature. If the temperature inside the controller C exceeds theselect maximum temperature, the processor MP will perform a controlledshutdown of the controller C to prevent overheating. In general, thethermal load depends on the ambient temperature in the region of thecontroller C, and the controller C can continue operating provided thatthe select maximum temperature inside the controller C is not exceeded.It should be noted that if the temperature inside the controller Cexceeds the select maximum temperature, the processor issues and logs amajor fault and performs a controlled shutdown of the controller,regardless of the operational status of either fan F1,F2. Because thecontroller C will continue to run even if both fan modules F1,F2 areinoperative so long as the select maximum controller temperature is notexceeded, a maintenance person can replace one or both fan modules F1,F2without fear that the controller C will shut down as soon as the fanmodules F1,F2 are removed. It should also be noted that the processor MPcan distinguish between a failed fan module F1,F2 and a removed fanmodule F1,F2.

The above-described speed control for the fan modules FM is preferablyperformed using a PI regulator. The proportional part of the regulatorhelps to react to temperature changes immediately, while the integralpart of the regulator helps to compensate the change of ambienttemperature, removed fan and other disturbances. The derivative partused in full PID regulator is not needed, because the temperaturechanges slowly and it would only increase response to noise intemperature readings.

In the preceding specification, various embodiments have been describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, andadditional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from thebroader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow.The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in anillustrative rather than restrictive sense.

The following is claimed:
 1. An industrial automation controllercomprising: a housing that includes a forced convection chamber; aprocessor; a first fan module connected to the housing and comprising afirst fan controlled by the processor, said first fan adapted to induceairflow through the forced convection chamber; said processor configuredto monitor a temperature of the controller and change said fan speed ofthe first fan if said temperature of the first fan module exceeds aselect temperature.
 2. The industrial automation controller as set forthin claim 1, wherein said processor is configured to monitor a fan moduletemperature of the first fan module and slow or stop said first fan ifsaid fan module temperature of said first fan module exceeds said selecttemperature.
 3. The industrial automation controller as set forth inclaim 2, further comprising a visual indicator connected to saidhousing, wherein said processor is configured to illuminate said visualindicator when said processor decreases said fan speed of said firstfan.
 4. The industrial automation controller as set forth in claim 1,further comprising a second fan module connected to said housing, saidsecond fan module comprising a second fan controlled by the processorand adapted to induce airflow through the forced convection chamber;wherein said processor is configured to operate said second fan at asecond speed that is the same or different from said fan speed of saidfirst fan.
 5. The industrial automation controller as set forth in claim4, wherein said processor is configured to increases at least one ofsaid first speed of said first fan and said second speed of said secondfan if said temperature of said controller exceeds a select temperaturelevel.
 6. The industrial automation controller as set forth in claim 5,wherein said processor is configured to decrease at least one of saidfirst speed of said first fan and said second speed of said second fanif said temperature of said controller a select temperature level. 7.The industrial automation controller as set forth in claim 6, wherein:said temperature of said controller comprises at least one of: (i) acore temperature of said processor; (ii) an air temperature of airflowin said forced convection chamber; (iii) a fan temperature of said firstfan module.
 8. The industrial automation controller as set forth inclaim 1, wherein: said temperature of said controller comprises at leastone of: (i) a core temperature of said processor; (ii) an airtemperature of airflow in said forced convection chamber; (iii) a fantemperature of said first fan module.
 9. The industrial automationcontroller as set forth in claim 1, wherein said processor is configuredto: output a first fan speed input setting to said first fan, whereinsaid first fan speed input setting represents a set speed at which saidprocessor controls said fan to operate; compare said fan speed of saidfirst fan to said set speed to derive a variation between said fan speedand said set speed; and, initiate a minor fan speed fault when said fanspeed is less than said set speed.
 10. The industrial automationcontroller as set forth in claim 9, further comprising a visualindicator connected to said housing, wherein said processor isconfigured to illuminate said visual indicator with a first visualindication when said minor fan speed fault is initiated by saidprocessor.
 11. The industrial automation controller as set forth inclaim 10, wherein: said processor is configured to initiate a major fanspeed fault condition and power down said first fan when said fan speedof said first fan is less than said set speed and said variation isoutside of a select tolerance range; said processor is configured tocontrol said visual indicator to output a second visual indication thatis different from said first visual indication when said major fan speedfault condition is initiated by said processor.
 12. The industrialautomation controller as set forth in claim 9, further comprising asecond fan module connected to the housing, said second fan modulecomprising a second fan controlled by the processor and adapted toinduce airflow through the forced convection chamber; wherein saidprocessor is configured to increase a second fan speed of said secondfan when said processor initiates said minor fan speed fault withrespect to said first fan.
 13. The industrial automation controller asset forth in claim 9 further comprising: a latch system that releasablyconnects the first fan module to the housing, said latch systemcomprising: (i) a primary latch that engages the first fan module to thehousing in an operative installed position of the first fan module; and,(ii) a secondary latch that engages the first fan module to the housingin an intermediate position of the first fan module; wherein said firstfan module is selectively movable from said operative installed positionin which said first fan module is operatively located relative to thehousing to said intermediate position only by manual disengagement ofthe primary latch, and wherein said first fan module is movable fromsaid intermediate position to an opened position where said first fanmodule is manually separable from the housing only by manualdisengagement of the secondary latch.
 14. The industrial automationcontroller as set forth in claim 13, further comprising: a fan interfaceprinted circuit board assembly connected to said housing and comprisinga plurality of primary electrical contacts, said fan interface printedcircuit board assembly operably connected to said processor; a pluralityof fan module contacts connected to said first fan module; wherein saidprimary contacts respectively electrically mate with and engage said fanmodule contacts when said first fan module is located in its operativeinstalled position for electrically connecting the first fan module tothe fan interface printed circuit board; and, wherein at least one ofthe primary contacts and its respective mating fan module contact isconfigured as a make-last/break-first contact pair such that uponmovement of said first fan module from its operative installed positionto its intermediate position relative to said housing, saidmake-last/break-first contact pair is electrically disconnected whileother fan module contacts remain electrically connected to theirrespective mating primary contacts such that disconnection of saidmake-last/break-first contact pair provides input to said processor thatsaid first fan module has been moved from its operative installedposition to its intermediate position.
 15. The industrial automationcontroller as set forth in claim 14, wherein said first fan module isdisconnected from its operative voltage source when saidmake-last/break-first contact pair is disconnected and while saidsecondary latch is engaged and prevents movement of the first fan modulefrom said intermediate position to said opened position.
 16. Theindustrial automation controller as set forth in claim 15, wherein saidfirst fan module contacts are provided on a contact printed circuitboard connected to the first fan module, and wherein said fan modulecontact of said make-last/break-first contact pair is a different lengthas compared to the other fan module contacts.
 17. The industrialautomation controller as set forth in claim 16, wherein: said primarylatch comprises a resilient primary latch arm connected to the first fanmodule and a mating primary catch connected to the housing, wherein saidprimary latch arm engages said primary catch when said first fan moduleis located in its operative installed position and said primary latcharm is selectively resiliently deflectable to disengage the primarylatch arm from the primary catch; said secondary latch comprises asecondary latch arm connected to the first fan module and a matingsecondary catch connected to the housing, wherein said secondary latcharm engages said secondary catch when said first fan module is locatedin its intermediate position and said secondary latch arm is selectivelyresiliently deflectable to disengage the secondary latch arm from thesecondary catch.
 18. The industrial automation controller as set forthin claim 17, further comprising a fan interface printed circuit boardassembly connected to said housing, wherein said secondary catch isconnected to said fan interface printed circuit board assembly.
 19. Theindustrial automation controller as set forth in claim 11, wherein saidprocessor is configured to report and log said major temperature faultcondition when said processor performs said second remedial action. 20.The industrial automation controller as set forth in claim 19, furthercomprising a visual indicator on said housing, wherein said processorchanges a state of the visual indicator when said major temperaturefault condition is initiated by said processor during said secondremedial action.